The break-in took place on 21 July last year when Hazel entered the flat above Tower Hill post office, Walsall Road via an upstairs window.

Once inside the building, Hazel smashed his way through the floor to gain entry into the post office below.

A crowbar was then used to enter into a secured area causing more than £2,500 damage.

Once inside, Hazel proceeded to bag up a significant amount of money but fled empty handed upon hearing police sirens approaching.

Hazel was arrested three weeks later after officers matched his DNA to a blood sample left at the scene.

Detective Constable Kuly Sikham, said: "This was a professionally planned break-in that caused considerable damage to the post office and the flat above.

"Thankfully, a number of security measures were in place to ensure that this did not happen and our officers arrived at the scene within minutes of the alarms sounding.

"We believe that this sentence sends a clear message that burglary will not be tolerated in Birmingham. Mr Hazel thought he could get away with stealing the cash but now has to face up to the very real consequences of his illegal actions."